A killer record from the late 50s – and one that hints at all the sides Stan Getz would take in later years – his bossa sessions, his vibes quartet with Gary Burton, and the playful lyricism of his recordings with Chick Corea! The set was recorded in San Francisco, when Stan had that great bassist Scott LaFaro in his group, and when he was brought into the studio by Fantasy to meet with local talents like Cal Tjader, Eddie Duran, and Vince Guaraldi. Billy Higgins is also added on drums, giving the set a lively songlike sound that's just great. The group works incredibly well together, and it's a shame they only really gelled for this rare non-Verve session. Titles include "Big Bear", "Crow's Nest", and "Ginza Samba". LP, Vinyl record album

Very cool work from vibist Cal Tjader – sounds that are different than some of the larger arrangements and concepts of his Verve Records albums of the mid 60s, and material that appears here for the first time ever! The set features a range of appearances that Tjader made on radio in Seattle – really well-recorded dates, done at the city's famous Penthouse nightclub – and featuring Cal's vibes in a stripped-down setting that's almost more of a throwback to his pre-Verve material for Fantasy records. There's excellent players throughout, especially on piano – as the keys are handled by Clare Fischer, Al Zulaica, and Lonnie Hewitt – all of whom did great work with Cal – working here in combos that feature plenty of percussion from Armando Peraza, and drums and timbales from Johnny Rae and Carl Burnett. The tunes are a nice mix of modes – some Latin, some bossa, lots straighter jazz – and titles include "Insight", "Davito", "Pantano", "Leyte", "Half & Half", "Bag's Groove", "Mambo Inn", "Morning", "Soul Burst", "Cuban Fantasy", "Love For Sale", "Reza", "On Green Dolphin Street", "O Morro Nao Tem Vez", "Fuji", and "Along Comes Mary". CD

One of the most obscure albums of the 70s from jazz vibes legend Cal Tjader – a set that was originally done as a direct-to-disc session for an audiophile label, but one that has Tjader recording with some of his grooviest modes of the time! The group here is wonderful – and the album sparkles with all these wonderful electric piano lines from the great Clare Fisher, a player who always seems to bring out the best in Cal – working alongside Gary Foster on flute and alto, Willie Bobo on timbales, Frank Rosolino on trombone, and Pancho Sanchez on congas! The whole thing's wonderful – and titles include "Ritmo Caliente", "Desposado", "Funquiado", "Tres Palabras", and "Huracan". Very likely Cal Tjader's best Latin LP of the 70s! CD

One of the most obscure albums of the 70s from jazz vibes legend Cal Tjader – a set that was originally done as a direct-to-disc session for an audiophile label, but one that has Tjader recording with some of his grooviest modes of the time! The group here is wonderful – and the album sparkles with all these wonderful electric piano lines from the great Clare Fisher, a player who always seems to bring out the best in Cal – working alongside Gary Foster on flute and alto, Willie Bobo on timbales, Frank Rosolino on trombone, and Pancho Sanchez on congas! The whole thing's wonderful – and titles include "Ritmo Caliente", "Desposado", "Funquiado", "Tres Palabras", and "Huracan". Very likely Cal Tjader's best Latin LP of the 70s! LP, Vinyl record album

Excellent 50s Latin work from Cal Tjader – and a set that boasts some especially nice tenor from the legendary Brew Moore! Moore's sound here anchors the date nicely – bringing in a bit more of a bottom sound than usual for a Cal Tjader Latin date – really rooting the record with a strong sense of soul has he blows with that wonderful tone he had in the 50s. Other players include Manuel Duran on piano, Carlos Duran on bass, Beny Velarde on timbales, and Luis Miranda on congas – and titles include "Invitation", "Tropicana", "Manuel's Mambo", and "All the Things You Are". LP, Vinyl record album

Early Latin from the great Cal Tjader – proof that he had a wonderful ear for this sort of a groove, even when he was just getting started! The album's a killer batch of jazzy mambos all the way through – served up with hard-edged vibes from Cal, all nicely chromatic in tone – plus rhythm from a combo that includes Beny Velarde on timbales, Manuel Duran on piano, Carlos Duran on bass, and Edgard Rosales on conga. Tracks are short, but the mambo groove makes for plenty of nice jazz touches – and Cal's vibes ring out loud and clear with a tone that's almost bolder than in later years! Titles include "Lucero", "Autumn Leaves", "Tenderly", "Mamblues", "Cherry", "I'll Remember April", and "Bye Bye Blues". CD

The crashing waves of the Pacific coast hardly seem like the serene setting you might want for the vibes of Cal Tjader – but this album works surprisingly well, and offers up Cal's combo in a Monterey live date, before the jazz festival really got going strong! The group's one that matches his best early albums for Fantasy – piano from Lonnie Hewitt, soulful bass from Al McKibbon, and some great Latin percussion from Mongo Santamaria and Willie Bobo! Paul Horn also joins the group on flute – blowing with lyrical lines that fit the sound wonderfully, adding a whole new dimension to the music. Many tracks are longer than usual for the Fantasy years – and titles include "Walkin With Wally", "Doxy", "Round Midnight", "Tumbao", "Love Me Or Leave Me", "SS Groove", "Tu Crees Que", and "Afro Blue". CD

A great live set recorded in 1962 with some of Cal's best players in the group – pianist Lonnie Hewitt and drummer John Rae, joined by bassist Freddie Schreiber. The groove's a bit less Latin than usual, but the jazz vibe is very strong – and Tjader really shines with the local crowd at San Francisco's famous Blackhawk night spot. Titles include "222 Time", "Noonie's Groove", "Weep", and "Fred's Ahead". One of the more obscure Tjader Verve sides, too! LP, Vinyl record album

Arguably THE classic Cal Tjader album of the 60s – a landmark album that crossed over equally into Latin, jazz, and mainstream audiences – and a stone cooker that's filled with smoking little grooves! The set's probably best known for its title track "Soul Sauce" – one of the biggest jazz hits of the 60s, and a catchy groover that was built around a riff from Dizzy Gillespie, but which also featured a groovier 60s sound, thanks to Cal's use of vibes. The whole album follows in similar format – and features great work by a core combo that includes Armando Pereza on congas, Lonnie Hewitt on piano, and Johnny Rae on drums. Titles include "Soul Sauce" – also known as "Guacha Guaro" – plus the tracks "Joao", "Leyete", "Maramoor", and a killer reading of "Afro Blue" that features guest appearances by Donald Byrd, Jimmy Heath, and Kenny Burrell. Plus, the CD reissue also includes 3 excellent bonus cuts: "Monkey Beams", "Ming", and the groovy "Mamblues". CD

Classic 50s west coast Latin grooves – played by Cal Tjader and a tasty Bay Area combo that includes Benny Velarde on timbales and conga, Manuel Duran on piano, and Carlos Duran on bass! The tracks are short, but have a tight group feel – really driving in a nicely rhythmic mode, with some strong breakaway solos by Cal on vibes. The mix of vibes and percussion is great – and titles include "Mambo Macumba", "Have You Met Miss Jones", "Out Of Nowhere", and "Guarachi Guaro" – the original version of "Soul Sauce"! CD

An incredible meeting of the musical minds – and about every bit as great as you might imagine! The cool Latiny vibes of Cal Tjader meet the great compositions of Burt Bacharach, and the result is a shimmering set of tracks that forever defines the sound of groovy 60s! Cal's the perfect choice for music like this – as his sense of space, time, and rhythm jibe perfectly with Burt's magical tunes – making for incredible instrumental readings of tracks that include "My Little Red Book", "Moneypenny Goes For Broke", "Don't Make Me Over", and "I Say A Little Prayer". Instrumentation includes organ and guitar next to the vibes – and production is by Gary McFarland, with the same gentle groove as his own best work! CD

An incredible collaboration between pianist Eddie Palmieri and vibist Cal Tajder – a record done for Tico in answer to their previous session for Verve – and a set that's even harder-jamming overall! Cal and Eddie really find something special together on the record – and both players groove into a descarga mode that burns even more strongly than their own other work of the decade – a masterful jam that's a really true collaboration, and which brings out the best that both musicians had to offer. Cal's moving way beyond his familiar modes here – with a fluid, freely colorful sound – and Eddie himself is beginning to hit some of the darker, harder notes that would show up even more strongly on his records of the 70s. There's a much more strongly jazz-based sound here than most of Palmieri's previous records – a really bold focus on the instrumentation as it rolls out over some great modally-informed grooves – and titles include "Bamboleate", "Resemblance", "Guajira Candela", "Mi Montuno", and "Come An Get It". LP, Vinyl record album

An incredible collaboration between pianist Eddie Palmieri and vibist Cal Tajder – a record done for Tico in answer to their previous session for Verve – and a set that's even harder-jamming overall! Cal and Eddie really find something special together on the record – and both players groove into a descarga mode that burns even more strongly than their own other work of the decade – a masterful jam that's a really true collaboration, and which brings out the best that both musicians had to offer. Cal's moving way beyond his familiar modes here – with a fluid, freely colorful sound – and Eddie himself is beginning to hit some of the darker, harder notes that would show up even more strongly on his records of the 70s. There's a much more strongly jazz-based sound here than most of Palmieri's previous records – a really bold focus on the instrumentation as it rolls out over some great modally-informed grooves – and titles include "Bamboleate", "Resemblance", "Guajira Candela", "Mi Montuno", and "Come An Get It". CD

2 live cookers from Cal Tajder – back to back on a single CD! The set begins with Night At The Blackhawk – one of Cal's best late 50s dates for Fantasy Records – thanks to some smoking tenor sax from Jose "Chombo" Silva! The album has Cal working in the very comfortable territory of San Francisco's Blackhawk Nightclub – in a combo that also features familiar players Vince Guaraldi on piano, Al McKibbon on bass, Willie Boby on drums, and Mongo Santamaria on congas – all musicians who'd previously helped Tjader hit some of his best Latin grooves! But the addition of Silva on a few tracks here really makes the set crackle – giving it a gutsy, soulful fee that you don't always get on some of Tjader's other records. Tracks are longish – and titles include the nice original "Bill B", plus jazzy versions of "I Love Paris", "Blue & Sentimental", and "Night In Tunisia". Live & Direct is great live work from Cal Tjader – one of a number of sets but at his home turf of the Blackhawk Nightclub in San Francisco! The album's nicely laidback, with tracks that stretch out a bit more than Tjader's studio work for Fantasy Records – often hitting a slight Latin groove at times, but with a bit more of a straight jazz vibes feel overall! The great Lonnie Hewitt's on the group on piano, coloring in the tunes with some very soulful notes – and in addition to Cal's vibes, the rest of the lineup includes Victor Venegas on bass, and Willie Bobo on drums. Mongo Santamaria on congas and Rolando Lozano on flute join in on the track "Mambo Terrifico" – and other titles include "Racoon Straits", "Bad & The Beautiful", and "You Stepped Out Of A Dream". Note that the CD omits the track "The Continental" from Live & Direct – due to space restrictions. CD

A killer record from the late 50s – and one that hints at all the sides Stan Getz would take in later years – his bossa sessions, his vibes quartet with Gary Burton, and the playful lyricism of his recordings with Chick Corea! The set was recorded in San Francisco, when Stan had that great bassist Scott LaFaro in his group, and when he was brought into the studio by Fantasy to meet with local talents like Cal Tjader, Eddie Duran, and Vince Guaraldi. Billy Higgins is also added on drums, giving the set a lively songlike sound that's just great. The group works incredibly well together, and it's a shame they only really gelled for this rare non-Verve session. Titles include "Big Bear", "Crow's Nest", and "Ginza Samba". CD

A killer set by Cal Tader – every bit as great as some of his best work from earlier years! The album was recorded with a small tight combo – one that features the great Mark Levine on both acoustic piano and Fender Rhodes, plus flute and percussion by Roger Glenn, and congas and percussion by Poncho Sanchez. The whole thing glides along in a nice blend of electric and acoustic jamming – similar to Cal's best work of the late 60s, and with a stripped down groove that has a lot more fire than the average Concord release! CD

Excellent 50s Latin work from Cal Tjader – and a set that boasts some especially nice tenor from the legendary Brew Moore! Moore's sound here anchors the date nicely – bringing in a bit more of a bottom sound than usual for a Cal Tjader Latin date – really rooting the record with a strong sense of soul has he blows with that wonderful tone he had in the 50s. Other players include Manuel Duran on piano, Carlos Duran on bass, Beny Velarde on timbales, and Luis Miranda on congas – and titles include "Invitation", "Tropicana", "Manuel's Mambo", and "All the Things You Are". CD

You can't get mas ritmo than this – given that Cal Tjader's working in a smoking Latin vibe throughout – and has managed to get some great extra help in his efforts! The album was mostly recorded in Chicago and New York, and these different locals seem to give the record a slightly different flavor than some of Tjader's other west coast dates from the 50s – a slightly harder Latin groove, thanks to the presence of players like Jose Chombo Silva on tenor sax, Gerald Sanfino on flute and alto, Bobby Rodriguez on bass, Mongo Santamaria on congas, Willie Bobo on timbales, and Luis Kant on percussion. Vince Guaraldi's on piano on all tracks – bringing in a nice dose of warmth next to Cal's vibes – and titles include "Mongorama", "Ritmo Africano", "Ritmo Rumba", "Tumbao", "Perdido", and "Cuco On Timbales". LP, Vinyl record album

Arguably THE classic Cal Tjader album of the 60s – a landmark album that crossed over equally into Latin, jazz, and mainstream audiences – and a stone cooker that's filled with smoking little grooves! The set's probably best known for its title track "Soul Sauce" – one of the biggest jazz hits of the 60s, and a catchy groover that was built around a riff from Dizzy Gillespie, but which also featured a groovier 60s sound, thanks to Cal's use of vibes. The whole album follows in similar format – and features great work by a core combo that includes Armando Pereza on congas, Lonnie Hewitt on piano, and Johnny Rae on drums. Titles include "Soul Sauce" – also known as "Guacha Guaro" – plus the tracks "Joao", "Leyete", "Maramoor", and a killer reading of "Afro Blue" that features guest appearances by Donald Byrd, Jimmy Heath, and Kenny Burrell. LP, Vinyl record album

A great little meeting of two of the better talents on Verve Records in the early 60s – one that pairs the warm vocals of Anita O'Day with the cool vibes of Cal Tjader – in a sweet little session that's actually one of O'Day's best from the time! The feel here is lively, and slightly Latinesque – as Cal's smal combo features Johnny Rae on drums, and Lonnie Hewitt on piano – both players who are well-tuned towards a more rhythmic approach. Includes a great version of "An Occasional Man", plus the tracks "Mr. Sandman", "I Believe In You", "Peel Me A Grape", and a nice take of "Thanks For The Memory". LP, Vinyl record album

Cool Fantasy 2-fer that compiles 2 lost albums by the great group The Latin Jazz Quintet. Released here under the name of the group's leader, congalero Juan Amalbert, the CD features the albums – Latin Soul and Hot Sauce – both of which are devilishly hard to find on the original vinyl. A number of the tracks feature Bobby Capers on alto, and his hard biting reed sound really opens up tracks like "Rip A Dip", "Ain't Dat Right", "Monk's Bread", and "Blues Waltz". Willie Coleman plays vibes throughout, and he gives the group a sound that's similar to Cal Tjader's groups of the time, but with a little bit more of a Latin Soul feel. 15 tracks in all, with loads of nice Latin Jazz groovers, and steady solos on piano, vibes, and alto. CD

A great later moment from Martin Denny – a set that gave him a big 60s hit in a sweet version of "Taste of Honey"! Denny approaches the tune with all the great mellow moods that Bobby Scott intended – none of the too-fast styles of Hirt, and instead the slow-moving rhythms that work perfectly for the blue undercurrents on the piano. Other tunes follow in a similarly nice blend – still a bit exotic, but almost showing more of a vibes/piano/percussion mix that seems to be borrowed from George Shearing or Cal Tjader – one that we approve of highly! Titles include "Route 66", "Exodus", "I'm In A Dancing Mood", "Black Orchid", "Take Five", and "Taste Of Honey". LP, Vinyl record album

An unusual session from the great Clare Fischer – although probably his best-known record as well! Clare cut many other jazz sides in a smaller, more intimate setting – but this album features his full talents as a larger arranger – working with a hip ensemble, and turning in some great charts that really keep things on edge! Fischer plays both Fender Rhodes and piano – and the group's got some great west coast help from Bill Perkins and Warne Marsh on tenors, Gary Foster on alto, and Conte Candoli on trumpet – all playing with a bit more sharpness here than usual. There's a nicely off-kilter edge – similar to that which you might hear in some of Clare's work with Cal Tjader – or some of his larger arranging projects for labels like MPS. Solos are out front on all tracks, and titles include "In Memoriam", "Bitter Leaf", "Calamus", and "Miles Behind". LP, Vinyl record album

A really fantastic record from Blue Note guitar genius Grant Green – and a set that's got a sound that goes way past his goofy look on the cover! The title's a bit right – in that there's something of a Latin vibe going on, with more percussion than usual in a small group – but the sound is also not straight New York Latin, with looser currents that are borrowed a bit from bossa nova, but also given a fluid soul jazz spin! There's maybe a slight touch of some of Cal Tjader's records from the period, but with more of the edge that we love on his guitar – served up in a combo that features the mighty Willie Bobo on drums, Johnny Acea on piano, Wendell Marshall on bass, Patato Valdez on congas, and Garvin Masseux on chekere. Together, the group makes for a very hip set of tracks that includes "Tico Tico", "Mama Inez", "Besame Mucho", and "Mambo Inn". LP, Vinyl record album

A really fantastic record from Blue Note guitar genius Grant Green – and a set that's got a sound that goes way past his goofy look on the cover! The title's a bit right – in that there's something of a Latin vibe going on, with more percussion than usual in a small group – but the sound is also not straight New York Latin, with looser currents that are borrowed a bit from bossa nova, but also given a fluid soul jazz spin! There's maybe a slight touch of some of Cal Tjader's records from the period, but with more of the edge that we love on his guitar – served up in a combo that features the mighty Willie Bobo on drums, Johnny Acea on piano, Wendell Marshall on bass, Patato Valdez on congas, and Garvin Masseux on chekere. Together, the group makes for a very hip set of tracks that includes "Tico Tico", "Mama Inez", "Besame Mucho", and "Mambo Inn". CD

A great look back at a small but wonderful slice of 60s jazz – the very groovy compositions of pianist Clare Fischer – a player who could easily absorb influences from bossa nova and Latin music, and really give them a special sort of California vibe! Clare worked often with Cal Tjader back in the day – and to showcase that side of his sound, Morten Gronvad handles vibes in the lead here, next to the alto of Jens Sondergaard – an instrument that's not as often associated with Fischer compositions, and which makes them sparkle here with a warm sense of energy that's totally great! The rest of the combo features Thomas Borno on piano, Niels Knudsen on bass, and Niclas Campagnol on drums – and titles include versions of Fischer tunes that include "Morning", "Carnaval", "Pensativa", "Elizete", "Gososo", "Gaviota", and "Wistful Samba". CD

A great look at the work of bassist Scott LaFaro – a revolutionary talent in jazz, but one who was taken from us all too soon! LaFaro's probably best known for his work with Bill Evans – he was a key part of Evans' trio for a few short recordings – but he's also represented here in a variety of settings you might not expect – mostly west coast sessions, and with a variety of players that's stunning! As with other El Records sets, there's a nicely unbridled approach to the way the music is put together – summed up in the detailed booklet within – and the 3CD set features 39 tracks in all – with LaFaro playing in groups led by artists who include Ornette Coleman, Pat Moran, Stan Getz, Bill Evans, Tony Scott, Buddy DeFranco, Marty Paich, John Lewis, Cal Tjader, Hampton Hawes, Herb Geller, and Booker Little – all giants who really made the best use of LaFaro's talents. CD

Maybe the best album ever from the mighty Ricardo Marrero – a 70s Latin talent who didn't record much, but always gave the world something wonderful when he did! The set's got this really great vibe – some cuts that update 60s Latin soul modes with even more righteous 70s elements – other numbers that are more jazz-based, almost in the territory of Cal Tjader's funky Latin tracks! A number of the cuts have vocals by a female singer – who really helps give the whole thing a feel that's very different than the usual Latin record of the time – almost a dose of Cali soul, even though Ricardo was more of a east coast talent at the time! Titles include the classic funk cut "Babalonia" – plus "Tiny", "Algo", "And We'll Make Love", "Vengo", "Get Yourself Together", "My Friend", and "A Taste Of Latin". LP, Vinyl record album

A really rare slice of work from the great Bobby Pauneto – easily one of our favorite artists on the New York Latin scene of the 60s! Bobby's best known for a rare album on the Mardi Gras label in the late 60s, and two groundbreaking 70s albums of Latin jazz – and the material here predates both of those, as it features early sessions done in relative obscurity for the Seeco label – but already showing Pauneto as one of the most unique talents of his time! Bobby uses vibes on most tracks, and has this way with downturning grooves that creates a balance of melancholy and joy – mixing with plenty of percussion and piano ringing out next to the vocals – maybe carrying the torch forward a bit from the earlier work of Bobby Montez! The set features eight tracks that Paunetto recorded for Seeco in 1965 – including "Mi Paso", "Guajira Dulce", "Algo Para OM", "Aguantando", and "Olvidado" – plus related tracks from the time, including "Pauneto's Point" by Cal Tjader, "Mambo Of The Times" by Joe Cuba, and "La Culpa La Tiene El Gallo" by Joe Cotto. LP, Vinyl record album

Classic work from Latin vibist Pete Terrace – playing here in a nicely spare set with his quintet, on a bunch of jazzy tracks that sound similar to some of Cal Tjader's mellower albums for Fantasy in the 50s. Titles include "Jet", "Ebb Tide", "Lullaby Of Birdland", "All The Things You Are", and "This Love Of Mine". The record's actually pretty haunting – and what it lacks in groove, it makes up for in sheer fascination, as we're always stunned at just how slow Pete and his group can play! LP, Vinyl record album

A killer set from Warren Wolf – and a record that's much more his own than you might expect from the title! Sure, Warren plays tunes made famous by some of his predecessors on the vibes – including Bobby Hutcherson, Cal Tjader, and Roy Ayers – but he handles the music with this soulful, soaring quality that's very much in line with his best recent work – in a lineup that features soprano and alto sax from Tim Green, piano and Fender Rhodes from Alex Brown, bass from Vicente Archer, and drums from Carroll Dashiell – a cooking lineup who serve Warren well on titles that include "Saturn's Child", "Herzog", "Bopstacle Course", "Captain Senor Mouse", "Vibrations", "Spring High", and "I See You Baby Looking At Me". CD

A killer set from Warren Wolf – and a record that's much more his own than you might expect from the title! Sure, Warren plays tunes made famous by some of his predecessors on the vibes – including Bobby Hutcherson, Cal Tjader, and Roy Ayers – but he handles the music with this soulful, soaring quality that's very much in line with his best recent work – in a lineup that features soprano and alto sax from Tim Green, piano and Fender Rhodes from Alex Brown, bass from Vicente Archer, and drums from Carroll Dashiell – a cooking lineup who serve Warren well on titles that include "Herzog", "Bopstacle Course", "Captain Senor Mouse", "Vibrations", and "I See You Baby Looking At Me". LP, Vinyl record album

Groovy jazz from 2 very cool labels – the related Skye and Gryphon companies of the late 60s and mid 70s, respectively – home to some very very cool bits! Skye's best known as the home of Cal Tjader and Gary McFarland in their post-Verve years – and the label's got a feel that's very much in the spirit of both artists – often blending together jazz, Latin, and easy grooves with a dreamy floating sort of quality. Gryphon recordings came a few years later – and had a warm and mellow 70s jazz sort of feel – using richer production to deeply color work by a variety of well-known artists who got a chance to stretch out in their albums for the label. Despite the difference of a few years between them, the work from both labels sits very nicely together here – thanks to an expert job of compilation by Toru Hashimoto, the force behind the Cafe Apres Midi and Free Soul series! Titles include "Mixing" by Airto, "What's Going On" and "My Favorite Things" by Louis Hayes, "Tandoori" by Barry Miles, "Flea Market" and "Suburbia" by Gary McFarland, "Theme From Peter Gunn" by Chuck Rainey, "Don't Fence Me In" by Grady Tate, "Viva Peraza" by Armando Peraza, "La Pasionaria" by Michel Legrand, "You'll Never Get To Heaven" and "Armando's Bossa" by Cal Tjader, "Bluesette" by Mel Torme & Buddy Rich, and "Change Partners" by Phil Woods. CD

Music from Vince Guaraldi, Gerry Mulligan & Chet Baker, Lucy Reed, Woody Herman, Cal Tjader, Bill Harris, Kenny Burrell, Tony Bennett, Bill Evans, Mongo Santamaria, Brew Moore, and more. CD

Sweetly mellow jazz, bossa, and vocal pop – all pulled from the wonderful Skye and Gryphon labels, and wrapped up in a sweet Cafe Apres Midi style package by master compiler Toru Hashimoto! The mode here is similar to the other Skye/Gryphon set put together by Toru – but mellower, gentler, and with a peaceful sort of side that makes the album a perfect one for the wee hours! The Skye titles are mostly in a breezy Verve-styled mode – and the Gryphon titles have a warmer sort of 70s sound – one that follows nicely from the first round of tracks, but which smoothes things out a bit more. There's nearly 80 minutes of music on the set – and titles include "Desafinado" and "Here There & Everywhere" by Gary McFarland, "Little Sunflower" by Louis Hayes, "Watch What Happens" by Lena Horne & Gabor Szabo, "Johanna" by Franco Ambrosetti, "Sack Full Of Dreams" and "Nightwind" by Grady Tate, "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" by Bob Brookmeyer, "Ferris Wheel" by Gabor Szabo, "The Paisley Window Pane" by Wendy & Bonnie, "I Won't Last A Day Without You" by Mel Torme & Buddy Rich, and "Amazon" and "Walk On By" by Cal Tjader. CD

A really fantastic record from Blue Note guitar genius Grant Green – and a set that's got a sound that goes way past his goofy look on the cover! The title's a bit right – in that there's something of a Latin vibe going on, with more percussion than usual in a small group – but the sound is also not straight New York Latin, with looser currents that are borrowed a bit from bossa nova, but also given a fluid soul jazz spin! There's maybe a slight touch of some of Cal Tjader's records from the period, but with more of the edge that we love on his guitar – served up in a combo that features the mighty Willie Bobo on drums, Johnny Acea on piano, Wendell Marshall on bass, Patato Valdez on congas, and Garvin Masseux on chekere. Together, the group makes for a very hip set of tracks that includes "Tico Tico", "Mama Inez", "Besame Mucho", and "Mambo Inn". LP, Vinyl record album

A really fantastic record from Blue Note guitar genius Grant Green – and a set that's got a sound that goes way past his goofy look on the cover! The title's a bit right – in that there's something of a Latin vibe going on, with more percussion than usual in a small group – but the sound is also not straight New York Latin, with looser currents that are borrowed a bit from bossa nova, but also given a fluid soul jazz spin! There's maybe a slight touch of some of Cal Tjader's records from the period, but with more of the edge that we love on his guitar – served up in a combo that features the mighty Willie Bobo on drums, Johnny Acea on piano, Wendell Marshall on bass, Patato Valdez on congas, and Garvin Masseux on chekere. Together, the group makes for a very hip set of tracks that includes "Tico Tico", "Mama Inez", "Besame Mucho", and "Mambo Inn". CD reissue also includes 3 bonus cuts, not on the original album – "Grenada", "Blues For Juanita", and "Hey There". CD

The only album ever cut by conga player Armando Peraza – the killer percussionist who worked with Cal Tjader in the 60s! The album's got a very similar feel to Cal's work of the time – blending together jazz, Latin, and groovy 60s rhythms – with lots of percussion on the bottom, and instrumentation that includes electric piano, funky flute, and some nice alto sax. Most tracks have the off-center sound that you'd expect from the Skye label – and arrangements are by Cal and Gary McFarland, so you know the tunes are pretty darn great! Titles include a mix of originals like "Viva Pereza" and "Granny's Samba", plus covers like "Wild Thing" and "Funky Broadway". CD

Music from Poncho Sanchez, Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Pete Escovedo, Cal Tjader, Ray Barretto, Pete Escovedo and Ray Vega. CD

A really wonderful compilation tunes that influenced Sao Paolo's DJ Marky – who maybe known more for drum & bass and broken beats, but here assembles an eclectic 3LP set of Brazilian tunes, 70s soul, disco, funk, and floor shaking club grooves – a straight up collection of classics from across the groovy spectrum! If there's a hurdle that we hope compilations of this sort will clear, it's to connect a diverse platter of sounds into a cohesive groove, and Marky couldn't have done a finer job – giving us a clear window into his personal influences and crafting an excellent batch of music for us! Bossa, house, soul, funk and modern grooves blended perfectly! Most of the tunes are from the late 60s through the early 80s, with a few neo classics from later years – a nicely done compilation of the tunes – with 19 tracks on 3LPs: "Aquarius" by Cal Tjader, "Samba Blim" by Tamba 4, "Funkanova" by Wood, Brass & Steel", "Look Ahead" (DJ Mark & SPY's disco re-edit) by Aquarian Dream, "Here's To You" by Skyy, "It's All In Mr Magic's Wand" by Whodini, "Balanca Pema" by Ronald Mesquita, "Sugar Rock" by One Way and more. LP, Vinyl record album